West Bengal Elections 2026: Voting begins in phase 1 across 152 constituencies amid tight security

Updated On: 23 April, 2026 08:53 AM IST | Ko | mid-day online correspondent

Polling began across 152 constituencies in West Bengal’s first phase with heavy security deployment. Over 3.6 crore voters are eligible as districts across the state witness a high-stakes contest between the BJP and the TMC

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Polling officials collect electoral material from a distribution centre ahead of the much-anticipated WB assembly elections 2026. (Pic/PTI)

Voting began across 152 constituencies in the first phase of the West Bengal assembly elections on Thursday, April 23, amid unprecedented security arrangements and a high-stakes battle that could shape the direction of the entire contest.

Polling for the much-anticipated election started at 7 am with voters queueing up outside booths in districts ranging from Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri in the north to Murshidabad, Nadia, Birbhum and Hooghly in the south.